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Efudex Cream (florouracil) is an antimetabolite chemotherapy medication, used to treat cancer or pre-cancer on the skin, usually basal cell carcinomas and actinic or solar keratoses. It is important that the lesions be identified prior to choosing a treatment, as this product is not effective against all types of cancer or pre-cancerous lesions.

Efudex Cream is potent, but in cream form it is less so than when it is administered intravenously. Side effects are usually localized to the application site, and usually reverse after treatment ends.

This medication can be applied with a cotton swab or similar materials, or using fingertips. It should not contact anything metal. If fingers are used to apply Efudex Cream, hands should be thoroughly washed afterward to prevent the medication from getting in the eyes or mouth, as well as reducing side effects that may irritate the fingers.

Treating Actinic Keratoses

Actinic keratoses are the result of excessive sun exposure. These rough, scaly patches usually affect older adults, and may be pre-cancerous. Most commonly found on the face, back of the hands, forearms, and neck, these patches usually develop slowly over years and do not typically produce symptoms of pain, itchiness, and so forth.

When a skin patch has been identified as solar keratoses, Efudex Cream may be given to remove it. Treatment may consist of the 1% or 5% cream, and is usually as follows:

• Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area twice per day.
• Treatment typically lasts from 2 to 4 weeks.
• Treatment should end when the erosion stage is reached.

The above sounds simple enough, but treatment can get rather unpleasant; skin will be red, swollen, and likely painful. As lesions are typically on visible parts of the body, it can also be embarrassing. The erosion stage is achieved when inflammation dies down and lesions begin to scab. A doctor can explain better what to watch for as far as ending treatment.

If lesions are present in numerous locations, treating parts at a time is often preferred. For example, one can complete treatment of the forehead before moving on to treat the cheeks.

Once treatment is complete, it will take 1 or 2 months for the skin to fully heal.

Treating Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is a common type of skin cancer, which may be the result of genetics or spontaneously develop. Though usually not fatal, this type of cancer can quickly become unsightly and uncomfortable.

There are a range of treatment options for basal cell carcinoma, which should be discussed with a doctor. If Efudex Cream is decided on as a treatment, the 5% cream will most likely be chosen. Treatment is typically:

• Apply a thin layer of the cream to the affected area twice per day.
• Treatment typically lasts from 3 to 6 weeks.
• Treatment may last as long as 12 weeks, or until lesions are destroyed.

As is always the case with cancer, patients should be monitored closely for a time after treatment ends to ensure the cancer is gone and/or is not returning. Efudex Cream is highly effective at treating basal cell carcinomas.

Tips & Warnings

Most patients experience increased skin sensitivity while using Efudex Cream, including sun sensitivity. Avoid sun exposure if possible during treatment and healing, and do not use tanning beds. Other skin-care products may cause pain or discomfort during treatment.

Some individuals notice treated or healing skin is lighter than other skin. This will fade away with time.

Do not get Efudex Cream on mucous membranes; apply carefully around the eyes, nose, and mouth.

Pain, itching, burning, irritation, inflammation, dryness, swelling, and tenderness at the application site are all common during treatment and healing. These too will heal with time. Don't be afraid to contact a doctor about concerning side effects.

Efudex Cream is known to cause birth defects and be harmful to nursing infants; it should not be used by women who are pregnant. Both genders should avoid conceiving a baby while using the cream.

This is a potent product. Attend all scheduled doctor visits so progress can be monitored.